The PACE program is a voluntary, non-regulatory program which offers free pollution prevention education and technical assistance to Boulder County businesses. PACE is a cooperative effort of the city of Boulder Office of Environmental Affairs, Boulder County Health Department, city of Longmont, Boulder Energy Conservation Center, and Boulder Chamber of Commerce. A great deal of program support has been provided by the city of Boulder Water Quality and Environmental Services, and the City of Longmont Water/Wastewater Utilities beginning in 1998.

Pollution prevention (P2) is a fundamental change from the traditional waste management approach; it involves using alternative materials or modifying practices to reduce the use of hazardous materials and minimize waste. The benefits of P2 include reduced costs for raw materials and waste disposal, improved worker health and safety, reduced liability risks, and improved image with customers, employees, and the public. PACE helps businesses learn about these benefits and implement pollution prevention options.

The overall goal of the PACE program is to reduce the use of hazardous materials and the amount of waste to water, land, and air that results from business, government, and household activities in Boulder County. In order to meet this goal, PACE staff identify P2 outreach needs, compile information, and provide motivation for businesses to achieve emission and waste reductions beyond compliance levels.

Identification of Target Business Sectors

The initial focus of the program has been smaller, generally unregulated businesses which collectively have a significant impact on public and environmental health. Smaller businesses often lack the knowledge and resources to investigate P2 alternatives. The auto repair, auto body, and printing sectors were targeted first because of the availability of P2 alternatives and the potential impact of P2 for these sectors. In 1998, the dental and restaurant sectors were selected to address water quality issues associated with these sectors. The PACE program also targeted manufacturers beginning in 1998 to provide a framework and the individual contact the businesses need to follow through on P2 goals.

Certification Criteria Development

For each sector, focus group meetings are held with representatives of local businesses. These focus groups help to determine achievable and appropriate pollution prevention goals. The set of goals become the criteria for certification and recognition as a PACE partner. Business participation in the development of certification criteria gives the program more credibility and acceptance among the business community. In addition, the focus groups identify business leaders who are motivated to implement P2 measures and who may serve as role models for business peers.

Business Outreach

The PACE program provides a tremendous service to businesses by doing the "legwork" on P2 information. PACE staff develop resource sheets which explain the economic, health, and environmental advantages of specific measures, and include local business case studies, vendor contact information, and peer references on specific products. As part of the certification criteria, businesses agree to share P2 success stories with other businesses.

Workshops are held periodically to disseminate information on pollution prevention measures to local businesses in a particular industry. The workshops cover compliance issues, update businesses on the latest changes in regulatory requirements, and provide information and/or demonstrations of pollution prevention alternatives and available technologies.

Certification and Recognition

Certification is based on completion of the industry-specific program criteria. Businesses who implement at least three of the program criteria receive partial certification. For full certification, businesses must implement all of the listed criteria. Partial certification entitles businesses to recognition at an annual awards ceremony. Full certification entitles businesses to a PACE decal and certificate in addition to advertising and recognition. Public recognition encourages businesses to implement additional P2 projects and educates the public about local business commitment to the environment.

PACE Connection Hotline: 

303-786-PACE (7223)

Program Administration

The program is a cooperative effort of the City of Boulder, Boulder County Health Department, City of Longmont, Boulder Energy Conservation Center, and Boulder Chamber of Commerce.  The program is funded primarily by the city of Boulder, with additional funding from the Boulder County Health Department for expansion of the program throughout Boulder County. Team members and roles in the program include: